Quick Wellness by Teoman Duran - HTML preview

If you’re busy but want to integrate exercise into your daily routine, carry some exercise tools with you:

• elastic bands
• light dumb bells
• jump rope
• inflatable Swiss balls (the small ones)
• an exercise video or DVD that you can play in between meetings
• Yoga mat
• Meditation or relaxation music tapes.
• Exercise tubes with handles (to increase muscle strength) and bow tie exerciser (increases upper body strength).

More Portable Exercise Tools

The choices in other portable exercise tools are impressive:

• The Ankle Tough Rehab System is a set of straps made of heavy-duty elastic, and are cut and stitched to make 2 straps that fit over shoes or bare feet.

The set comes with 4 different resistance straps for light, medium, strong and tough resistance levels. It also comes with an exercise manual.

• Flex Bars - a lightweight, portable exercise gadget. The bars improve grip strength and upper body strength, and allow oscillation movements for neuromuscular and balance training.
• Weighted Vest – a gadget to help you add resistance to your workout. Vest is weight-adjustable with each weight packet weighing approximately 0.75 lbs. Its one size fits all feature makes it ideal for both men and women. Steel shot packets conform to the body, and weight adjustments range from 0.75 lbs. to 20 lbs.

Buyer Beware

There are some exercise aids that have been specifically marketed to walkers – things like weighted shoes to add resistance while jogging or brisk-walking. Before you dole out your cash to buy exercise accessories, speak to a fitness trainer or orthopedist. Some products can     be     just     commercial     hype. This article on www.walking.about.com can shed some light on the subject.

IF YOU’RE GOING CROSS-COUNTRY DRIVING AND THE TRIP WILL TAKE ABOUT 12- 15 HOURS, SCHEDULE HOURLY STOPS SO YOU CAN PERFORM SOME STRETCHING EXERCISES, OR GO FOR A 15-MINUTE WALK IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. EXERCISING WILL ENERGIZE YOU, DIMINISHING YOUR NEED FOR FREQUENT CUPS OF COFFEE AND RELIEVE EYE STRAIN.

Using a Pedometer

THIS IS A BEEPER-SIZED DEVICE THAT YOU CLIP TO YOUR WAISTBAND. IT MEASURES WALKING AND RUNNING DISTANCE IN STEPS AND MILES. SOME MODELS ARE MORE SOPHISTICATED AND EQUIPPED WITH MEASURING FEATURES FOR PACE, TOTAL EXERCISE TIME AND CALORIES BURNED.

A pedometer could motivate you to walk during airport or train layovers because you’ll know how much ground you’ve covered and will encourage you to aim for a longer distance on your next trip. Joe Decker says he tested 6 models for accuracy and 4 out of the 6 were accurate. He recommends two specifically: Bodytronics Q25 Electronic Pedometer and the Part Ultrak 275 Electronic Calorie Pedometer.

Always Carry…

• comfortable shoes
• padlock
• foldable, light gym bag
• quick dry clothing

Keep these in your suitcase at all times so you don’t waste time looking for them and re-packing them.

Keep a Record

A workout log would be nice to monitor your progress. When you become pleased with yourself, liking yourself for the small efforts you’ve invested into improving your physical self, you may want to get into a full-fledged workout program with a trainer. Show him/her your workout log so he knows exactly how fit you are.

Eating Fit

Let’s not forget your fuel. Don’t run low on gas, otherwise your body cannot achieve optimum fitness performance.

Nuts, sesame snacks, protein bars, low-fat muffins, a generous helping of dried and fresh fruit, baby carrots, cereal flakes and oatmeal bars should keep you on the go while exercising.

If you’re pressed for time to sit down for a proper meal, these portable foods will tide you over, in a healthy and nutritious way.